Gleneden Beach is a flat sandy shoreline stretching from Salishan Spit one mile south to the Schoolhouse Creek, which separates Gleneden and Lincoln Beaches. The best access to the beach is provided by Gleneden Beach Wayside, located 5 miles north of Depoe Bay and 7 miles south of Lincoln City.

Surprisingly, despite the close location to the big coastal town, the beach looks secluded and uninhabited even during the summer and on weekends.

Surrounded by the beautiful coastal spruce forest, Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site sits on a sandstone bluff above the sandy shore and has a large parking area and picnic tables. A short trail runs down from the parking area to the broad flat beach bordered by eroded orange sandstone bluffs.

If you are not a resident of a gated housing community and do not stay at the Salishan Coastal Lodge, use this site that provides public access to Gleneden Beach and Salishan Spit.

Things to Do at Gleneden Beach, Oregon Coast

Gleneden Beach is a fantastic place to enjoy your favorite activities, including hiking, beachcombing, surf fishing, surfing, and wildlife watching. You can also wander the bluff-top picnic area, take peaceful shoreline walks toward Salishan Spit, look for harbor seals resting near the tide line, or explore nearby shops and scenic walking paths around the Salishan area.

Surf Fishing and Surfing

Anglers come here for surfperch and other nearshore species. When conditions line up, surfers enjoy the open breaks along this part of the coast.

Wildlife Viewing

Harbor seals, seabirds, and shorebirds are commonly spotted along Salishan Spit. The forested bluff above the beach also attracts songbirds and occasional raptors.

Gleneden Beach Hiking

Hike to the right (north) along the beach. After about one mile, the orange sandstone bluffs end, and the Salishan Spit begins. You can hike two miles more to the edge of the spit, but make sure not to disturb harbor seals that often reside here.

You can shorten your hike to Salishans by starting at the end of Laurel Street, which is half a mile north on Gleneden Beach Loop, or at the Salishan Shops. The private Salishan community prohibits vehicle access of nonresidents but allows pedestrians to reach the beachfront via its walking trails.

Head left (south) from the parking area and walk the long stretch of Lincoln Beach, which continues for roughly two miles until you reach Fishing Rock. This route is part of the Oregon Coastal Trail, which runs up to Fishing Rock and then leads to Fogarty Creek Recreation Area.